*Free* DIY Recycled Can WiFi Antenna

Weak WiFi signals in our homes are always a problem for most people. Today I will show you how to create a WiFi antenna booster out of a recycled can and show you comparisons of with and without the antenna.

Only 2 materials needed for this hack/up-cycling project:

-Soda Can

-Scissors or shears

*Optional (only needed to make project easier)*

-Paper Towels

-Can Opener

Use the can opener to take off the little punt piece and bend the tab opener part back and forth until it comes off. This will make it easier to clean out the can and cut out the thicker ridge later on. Remove the piece and recycle or reuse it in another project.

*BE CAREFUL CUTTING METAL CREATES SHARP EDGES THAT CAN CUT YOU*

Just rinse out the can with warm water to get all the stickiness out and dry everything off with a paper towel.

Cut off the bottom ridge like in the picture and cut down the center of the can (look at the picture for help). Then cut around the can leaving about an inch left so that the antenna/satellite part is attached to the top (now bottom) part of the can. If you are struggling, the pictures are there to help! After making the appropriate cuts, try to somewhat flatten the curved metal sheet part so that it is slightly curved and like a satellite dish.

*BE CAREFUL CUTTING METAL CREATES SHARP EDGES THAT CAN CUT YOU*

Finally, slide the can antenna over the router's antenna through the drinking opening and position it so that the can antenna is angled at a slight angle and not hanging over. I have included some comparisons of with the antenna and without. The WiFi strength was determined by using a PlayStation 3 that is set up on the other side of the house than where the router is set up. There was an increase of of WiFi strength of 32% which is a very significant improvement from the old 55% WiFi strength.